If you want to be a Motocross rider, make that a true Motocross star it's imperative you know how to talk like one.
Forget learning to ride, grabbing the holeshot and stepping on the podium - a 100 percent, for sure, pumped up rider who is just having fun knows what to say, how to say it and when to say it. This is the true test of a pro rider. Unfortunately, there's no Motocross Language 101 class to take. Correct verbiage is learned just like whipping through the whoops.
The best way to study is reading interviews that most publications publish in between races and especially during the silly season, and watching podium interviews. Thanks to YouTube a would-be Motocrosser simply needs to set aside a few hours of study time, grab a notebook and pen and commence with the notes.
But who studies anymore! We've done the legwork so simply review this list of words we've discovered most, if not all, amateurs and pros use at least once during an interview. When it's your turn in the limelight, if you're at a loss for what to say, just whip out a flash card or absolutely, definitely ensure you've got a few of these phrases written on the pit board behind the cameras and just, you know, pepper in these gems and every one will forget the gnarly get off you had on the first turn.
I'm Pumped
In a press release issued just today Cooper Webb and Ricky Carmichael said they're pumped to fly down under and race in the AUS-X Open round of the Australian Supercross Championship this weekend. Both literally said "I'm pumped to be heading to Sydney..." Is that a coinkydink or what?
It's an odd phrasing considering "arm pump" is the last thing any rider wants but "I'm pumped" simply means excitement. It's not cool to say "I'm excited" only pansies say that. Instead, say "I'm pumped" when asked about an upcoming race, how you're feeling about the season or your race results.
Gnarly
Every true Motocross rider channels their inner Jeff Spicoli when talking about a difficult track. There's no such thing in Moto as a "hard" or "difficult" track. It is, in fact, a gnarly track. What you'll find is every track you race on is gnarly because seriously does anyone ever have an easy time racing through the whoops or hitting a jump?
100 percent
I guess the founders of 100% were on to something when they started their goggle line because all riders give 100 percent and want you the viewing public to know it. The phrase also refers to a return from injury and quite often sounds like the rider convincing themselves they're 100 percent ready to go when they're not. You'll also hear "100 percent" in response to a question about questionable past decisions or regret. Again, more self-convincing.
(Nasty) Get-off
Get off of me man! Actually a get-off is when someone gets tossed from their bike. If it hasn't happened to you yet, prepare for it. Actually you can't, so never mind. "Get-off" is usually preceded by "nasty" but you'll also hear "gnarly get-off." Both refer to the same thing - a hard crash that usually results in injury. However, not always since Chad Reed owns the nastiest of all get-offs and got right back on to finish the race.
All About Having Fun
Girls aren't the only ones who just wanna have fun, apparently Motocross riders do to because they say it all the time, except when they're limping back to the pits after a nasty get-off. If riding isn't all about having fun then it's also said in terms of "I just want to have fun." Not sure the origins of this because if you're just in it for the fun you're probably not stepping on the podium. Ask Ryan Villopoto.
I Hate Losing More Than I Like Winning
This phrase, absolutely, without a doubt has to be said with a sneer and a bit of bass into your vocals. You're also only going to say it if you're runner-up because we all know second-place is the first Lew-Hew, Zer-Her.
Definitely
Oh definitely. Don't forget the "Oh." You can start off just about any answer with "Definitely" and sometimes get away with solely using this definitive statement upon answering a loaded question. If you feel like you've definitely used the word too much then switch it up with...
For sure
Pretty much means the same thing.
I Want to Thank...
To the chagrin of race fans everywhere make sure you thank all your sponsors, your race team and anyone who ever got you to where you are today. You'll have to disregard the fact that no one will remember any of the sponsors you mentioned 15 seconds after the interview.
Absolutely
See entry for "Definitely."
I'm Just Happy...
You better be after grabbing the holeshot and/or stepping on the podium. All the hard work you've put in over the years finally paid off. Make sure your team manager or overbearing father knows You. Are. Happy.
We
Using "we" in place of "I" is a humble way of recognizing you wouldn't have won if not for your mechanic, team manager and everyone in the pits rooting you on. You'll have to disregard the fact that you're the only one riding the dirt bike. But it's still good form and if you go into every interview making it all about you, don't be shocked if your mechanic accidentally forgets something important and you end up with a nasty get-off.
You know
No, I don't know. That's why you're being interviewed. It's nonsensical filler but if you fall into the "you know" trap don't worry - everyone does it. Including people who have high rise offices and give presentations on the upcoming budget year for their multimillion dollar company. But Weston Peick wears the crown.
We've Got Some Work To Do
You know how when things are going great and you invoke "We" as noted above? Well, when things go south you have every right to throw everyone under the bus. "We've got some work to do" means the bike sucks and it needs to get dialed in before the next race. But, you'll have to disregard the fact that you're the only one riding the dirt bike.
We made some bike changes
You're probably starting to catch on. Since no one ever explains where the changes were made this is a passive aggressive approach to venting some frustration with past results that should have been as solid as the race you just won. Or it could actually be a sincere explanation of actual changes to the bike that you worked on with your team and you'll all go out and have a celebratory beer. Unless you're training with Aldon Baker. No beer for you!
If you really want to raise eyebrows say this: "We need to make some changes but tomorrow should be good."
Just Want to Keep the Ball Rolling
Can you believe a dirt bike rider actually says this? Why, why wouldn't you say "Just keep the bike rolling"! Isn't that what you really mean after a stellar racing performance and you feel good about the season and a possible championship on the horizon? You know?
Struggled...Just need to find my flow
This is the smart way to take all the blame in a poor performance. It wasn't the bike, the mechanic or anyone other than you. You sucked but athletese dictates you say something a bit more professional. By saying this, you've accepted the fact, that you're the only one riding the dirt bike.
Any others? The clichés run rampant in Supercross and Motocross but the sport just wouldn't be the same without them. So study up and if you're not a rider and more of the fan type, we've definitely given you great material for, you know, some type of gnarly game that absolutely results in a nasty get-off into the bathroom.
